THE CALL OF JESUS CHRIST TO ALL BELIEVERS – REMAIN

Review:

• We are not called to a position, a place, a livelihood, a category or a title. We are called to Jesus!

You’ve read some excerpts of the call Jesus issued to His disciples. Let’s take a look at another call Jesus issued.

John 15:1-17

Who is it that Jesus is calling? What is the task for those connected to Jesus?

If the simplicity of the task overwhelms you, remain. Stay connected to Jesus in every area of your life. This is not a statement about salvation, it is a statement about intimacy and usefulness. If you want to be useful in the Kingdom of God, remain intimate with Christ. Apart from Him, you can do nothing. Yesterday the heard call was to follow Jesus. This call is similar in that it asks you to also do one thing, stay focused on and connected to Jesus.

Does a branch work to stay connected to a tree? No, it is natural for a branch to stay connected. Does a tree work to make fruit? No, the normal result of a healthy fruit tree is that it bears fruit. Some Christians spend all their energy trying to bear fruit for God and trying to be better at everything. But, the first thing a Christian must do is remain in Christ, stay intimately connected to Jesus. When you are remaining in Christ, you will bear fruit. If you get the order confused and work to bear fruit, not remain, then you can and will do nothing.

Reread John 15:9-17. Here, Jesus issues a divine call.

Whom does He call / appoint to bear fruit for Him?

To whom does He call them?

Why?

Take a few moments and write your thoughts, concerns, and questions in your journal. Allow the following thought suggestions to guide you.

Spend some time remembering the counsel you received when you sensed God’s call. How was the concept of calling explained to you? What advice were you given?

What does it mean to remain in Christ? How do you actually remain in Christ?

Record any new thoughts, feelings or emotions that you have as a result of today’s Bible study.

What is God teaching you about calling?